Saturday, April 27, 2013

(Hong Kong, China)- The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Nations' Cup has
already attracted 73 entries from 23 nations - many of whom will spend
the days leading up to the event deciding what costumes to wear and what
national delicacy to bring to the 'after-party'. The race starts on
Saturday, April 27th and the intent is to go "around the island" (Hong
Kong, of course) as members of "national teams".

Crews are formed along the lines of nation of origin or allegiance.
While the Nationality Criteria states that "100% of crew members must be
nationals of the country which is represented by the boat they are
racing on", the same criteria then go on to offer a multitude of
different ways that a 'wannabe' can qualify - all the way down to
representing a Nation in the Miss Universe Pageant.

Racing will feature a pursuit race following a simple course, starting
in Victoria Harbour at Kellett Island and taking the fleet eastwards,
out through Lei Yue Mun Gap, to a turning mark which will be selected to
suit the prevailing weather conditions. Once around, the boats will
re-enter the Harbour and, with a bit of cooperation from the wind gods,
race back to the finish line at Kellett Island.

Coveted prizes include the right of the winning nation to place their
flag on conspicuous display behind the Club's Main Bar until the 2014
race and, of course, the bragging rights that go with proving themselves
to be "Champion Sailing Nation of The Year".

The first boat home in the inaugural event in 2011 was England, followed
by Ireland, Australia, Sweden, Scotland and Japan. The 2012 edition had
to be abandoned due to lack of wind and miserable weather conditions,
however the 'after party' more than made up for any disappointment.